Your East Midlands Wedding - October/November 2019 (Issue 34)

WRAP UP WARM I’m worried about being cold on my wedding day for the outside photos, how can I get around this? Angela says: It’s surprising how much excitement and nerves can stave off the chill. However, it’s always good to be prepared! Task a bridesmaid or friend to be on hand with either a shrug or jacket that you can wear as you walk around your venue to capture the best images. It’s easy to think that the photographer may do this for you but remember with all their equipment to carry around and the need to assess where the best light is. There’s been an increased trend for capes, which we particularly adore for winter weddings but if this feels too much of a statement then consider a small wrap. Our Richard Design fur wrap with the satin ribbon has been especially popular with winter brides but for some extra sparkle a beautiful diamanté clasp is also available. Angela Robson | Bridalwear iconicbride.co.uk THROUGH THE LENS Tying the knot in winter is exciting but I’m worried because it gets dark very quickly, what are the must-have shots?  Daniel says: Winter weddings can be amazing and although I prefer to use natural available light, I think it’s really important to get great photographs in any lighting condition. I highly recommend working with your photographer over your timings to make sure you use the available light for any key shots you want such as group shots and couple portraits. There are no right or wrong answers to which shots your have during this time, especially as some weddings may all be indoors due to the weather. I often have two short portrait sessions for couples, regardless of the time of year. Where possible, I plan with my couples to capture that golden hour light just before sunset. However it can rain, so even during the summer months, my evening portraits can be inside using the best of the venue and creating great light.  Daniel Hughes | Photographer | danielhughesphotography.com WINTER DÉCOR I’m excited for my winter wedding but I’m stuck on the décor, I want to make my venue cosy and festive. Can you give me any ideas? Ruby says: As lighting is so important at a winter wedding I love to use candles wherever I can. Adding tall taper candles onto the dinner tables creates soft warm lighting, if real candles are not permitted source good quality faux candles. Depending on the ceiling height of the room I would use them in either tall candelabras or small single stem candle holders. Using reflective surfaces in your venue will bounce the candlelight around the room beautifully, large mirrors can be hand-painted to create welcome signs or a table seating plan. If you have a fireplace in your venue make it a real feature by adding a large floral arrangement to the mantelpiece. If the fire can not be lit then fill the hearth with lots of pillar candles in various heights, this will create a beautiful feature in the room. Using sequin table runners and metallic tea light holders on the tables will add a lovely bit of sparkle. Think about your reception drinks too, you don’t need to stick to the traditional flute of champagne, why not serve hot chocolate with Baileys in vintage teacups? Include a small shortbread biscuit or a mini mince pie! It’ll warm everyone up as they arrive at your beautiful wedding venue. Don’t forget your outside space, use festoon lighting to create a zone, add a firepit with a tub of large marshmallows to toast, and a basket filled with lots of soft blankets. This will create a cosy feature that everyone will be able to enjoy throughout the evening! Ruby Adds | Love Birds, Bespoke Vintage Weddings mylovebirdswedding.com STYLING ON YOUR BIG DAY We’re looking to tie the knot at Christmas but we don’t want the typical Christmas paraphernalia for our styling, so how can we get around this? Sarah says: I would advise all brides not to focus on Christmas, it’s your wedding day and the styling should reflect your own personal preferences not be overshadowed by the Christmas period. Many palettes and themes are not seasonal and look sensational at any time of the year, think geometric, classic white wedding and why not add a pop of colour with a rustic bohemian theme? In 2020 it’s all about going big, think oversized balloons, giant centrepieces and large floral displays – not a hint of Santa in sight! Be creative with your lighting, think about experimenting with exposed bulbs, chandeliers and candles. Tis the season to be jolly, but also perfect to rock your wedding in style. Sarah Dixon | Venue |  heathlandgrove.com Micheal Penty Photography photosbyabhi.co.uk adenpriestphotography.co.uk 86